Manchester United’s senior stars are set for another weekend off after their Premier League clash with Leeds United was postponed.
That means for the second straight week, Erik ten Hag’s senior squad will be able to put their feet up in the midst of what is otherwise a gruelling schedule. But rather than take a rest himself, Ten Hag is likely to keep a close eye on the J. Davidson Stadium, where United’s Under-21 side take on West Ham on Friday night.
The Dutchman arrived in English football with a reputation for not only playing exciting football, but doing so with a vibrant and youthful side. It is of course a prerequisite for Ajax managers to give players from the academy a chance - as it is in his new role. So with that in mind, here are six players to keep an eye on - and six who could ultimately make a big splash in the senior set-up in the coming years.
Charlie McNeill
Arguably the player with the most hype surrounding him. And after scoring 600 goals for Manchester City ’s youth sides it’s easy to see why. McNeill actually started with the Red Devils before making the switch across to the city, only to return home in 2020.
The 19-year-old hit 41 goals in his first two seasons back at United and already has three in seven this term. He also showed he was able to cut it in senior football, after scoring against Carlisle in the EFL Trophy.
McNeill is firmly on Ten Hag’s radar having become the first academy debutant under his management in last week’s defeat to Real Sociedad. More opportunities will be on the way.
Zidane Iqbal
Iqbal, 19, was one of the standout performers of United’s pre-season tour. The Iraqi international showed promising signs he could be a key contributor, displaying his ability to dictate play from deep.
The fact that Ten Hag opted to not sanction a loan deal for Iqbal hints that he could be given chances to impress in both the Europa League and the Carabao Cup. And he will be expected to be a cut above when he does play in Premier League 2 fixtures.
Alejandro Garnacho
Having scooped the Under 18 Player of the Year award last term, Argentine playmaker Garnacho has continued right where he left off. Against League Two opponents Carlisle, the 18-year-old put on a show.
Garnacho was the star as the Red Devils won the FA Youth Cup last season and showed he wouldn’t be daunted by the big occasion, bagging twice in the final in front of 67,000 fans at Old Trafford.
Garnacho has been on a Premier League bench five times already this season and came off it during the opening day defeat to Brighton. He was also involved against Sheriff so is unlikely to be involved on Friday.
Nevertheless, there will be patience exercised with the talented winger, but with mentors like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to look up to - the sky's the limit.
Charlie Savage
At just 19, the son of Premier League icon Robbie is already making waves. The midfielder has already made his senior debut, playing in the Champions League under Ralf Rangnick.
Savage was another to impress during pre-season with Paul Scholes among his admirers already. Having already tasted senior action and being a regular participant in first-team training, this very well may be his final season in youth football, so he will be hoping to make an impact, before a potential loan in January or next summer.
Isak Hansen-Aarøen
The Norwegian is another knocking on the door of the first team. Ten Hag actually gave Hansen-Aarøen minutes in the pre-season clash with Ray Vallecano and has been called up to his senior training group on a number of occasions.
"He only said how we should press, where I should position myself, but he only said that I should go out and enjoy myself,” he said of the instructions from the boss. "It was a lot of fun! I should say so much about how I feel. I don't know where to start.”
The 18-year-old already has two goals from five Premier League 2 games this term and will be expected to be a key component of Mark Desmpsey’s side.
Omari Forson
Having initially come through the academy of Tottenham, Forson is beginning to make a name for himself at United. In the early weeks of the season, he has two goals for the Under21s and also found the net during the Papa John’s Trophy meeting with Carlisle.
Forson was another to be included in sessions prior to the trip to Tiraspol, but will have his full focus on matters closer to home and tonight’s game in Altrincham.
